Restore Your Vehicle’s Electrical Sanity
Are you chasing electrical gremlins in your Chevy Express or other GM vehicle? Flickering lights, malfunctioning power windows, a security system that has a mind of its own, or worse—a vehicle that won’t start? As a technician with over two decades of diagnostic experience, I can tell you that a failing Body Control Module (BCM) is often the culprit. It’s the central hub for your vehicle’s body electronics, and when it goes, it creates a cascade of frustrating and seemingly unrelated problems. Don’t waste another weekend tracing wires or throwing parts at the problem. This is the definitive solution.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete, ready-to-install fix. We take a genuine OEM-quality Body Control Module and professionally program it with the very latest GM software updates, specifically matched to your vehicle’s VIN. This critical step, which often requires an expensive trip to the dealership, is done for you before we ship. This ensures that once installed, the module communicates perfectly with your vehicle’s other computers, restoring full functionality and reliability. This is the same high-quality repair you’d get from a professional shop, made simple for the DIYer or busy mechanic.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Work Van That Wouldn’t Cooperate
A customer brought in his 2011 Express 2500 work van last month with a bizarre list of complaints. The radio would turn on by itself, the dome light wouldn’t turn off, and occasionally, the power locks would cycle while driving. He’d already replaced the battery and checked all the fuses. After connecting my scan tool, I saw multiple communication loss codes with various modules. This immediately pointed me to the BCM. In my shop, I’ve seen water intrusion from a leaky windshield seal cause corrosion on the BCM connectors, leading to these exact symptoms. We installed one of these pre-programmed BCMs, performed the quick post-install procedures, and the van was back to being a reliable workhorse. This part saved my customer hundreds in diagnostic time and dealership programming fees.
Is Your GM Vehicle Showing These Electrical Gremlins?
A faulty BCM can manifest in numerous ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is your likely solution:
- ✔ Power windows or locks operating erratically or not at all.
- ✔ Interior or exterior lights staying on or not turning on.
- ✔ The security system preventing the vehicle from starting (Security light on).
- ✔ The radio or instrument cluster behaving strangely.
- ✔ False warning lights on the dashboard.
- ✔ Inconsistent A/C blower motor operation.
- ✔ Communication error codes with other vehicle modules (U-codes).
A Straightforward Guide to Your BCM Replacement
Installing your new 2008-2012 Express 2500 BCM is a manageable job for a confident DIYer. While the exact location varies by model (see fitment list), the general process is similar.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow all systems to power down completely.
- Locate the BCM: On most Express/Savana vans, it’s located in the center dash area. On other models like the Impala or Acadia, it’s typically on the left-hand side of the dash or under the steering column. A quick search for your specific model will confirm its location.
- Access and Disconnect: Remove any trim panels necessary to access the module. Carefully release the locking tabs on the electrical connectors and unplug them. Be gentle; these connectors can be brittle.
- Swap the Module: Unbolt or unclip the old BCM from its mounting bracket and remove it. Mount your new, pre-programmed BCM in its place.
- Reconnect and Reassemble: Plug the electrical connectors firmly into the new module until they click into place. Reassemble your dash panels and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Final Steps: Follow the crucial post-installation procedures noted below to ensure all systems, especially safety features, are working correctly.
CRITICAL: Post-Installation Procedures
To finalize the installation and ensure 100% proper function, a few steps are required. These procedures sync the new BCM with your vehicle’s other systems.
- Airbag System Reset: The ‘Setup SDM Primary Key in BCM’ procedure must be performed with a compatible high-level diagnostic tool. This is a mandatory step to clear any airbag warning lights and ensure the safety system is operational.
- Brake Pedal Position Sensor Relearn: Some vehicles may require a brake pedal position sensor recalibration. This ensures the brake lights and stability control systems function as designed.
Note: If you are not equipped to perform these relearn procedures, most local repair shops can complete them for you quickly.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility List
This Body Control Module, part number 15819552, is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles and interchanges with numerous part numbers. Please verify your model and year below. Providing your VIN at checkout is essential for correct programming.
AVALANCHE 1500 10
CAPRICE 11-13
CAPTIVA SPORT 12
CTS 08-13
DTS 06-11
ENCLAVE 08-12
EQUINOX 07-09
ESCALADE 10
ESCALADE ESV 10
ESCALADE EXT 10
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 08-12
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 08-12
G8 08-09
HUMMER H2 08-09
IMPALA 06-13
LUCERNE 06-11
MONTE CARLO 06-07
OUTLOOK 07-10
SAVANA 1500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 2500 VAN 08-12
SAVANA 3500 VAN 08-12
SRX 07-09
STS 10
SUBURBAN 1500 10
TAHOE 10
TORRENT 07-09
TRAVERSE 09-12
VUE 08-10
YUKON 10
YUKON XL 1500 10
This module replaces the following part numbers: 10382479, 15093910, 15276271, 15299986, 15819552, 15828601, 15837419, 15872388, 15872421, 15880684, 15921352, 15921353, 15948438, 15948439, 20815898, 20839063, 20864767, 20864768, 20921435, 20921436, 20935349, 22860591, 25826124, 25826125, 25847588, 25847589, 25892622, 25910474, 25934762, 25934763, 95151084
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to provide my VIN?
Yes, absolutely. Providing your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is mandatory. We use it to load the precise, vehicle-specific software and calibrations from GM. This step is what makes the module a true plug-and-play solution and prevents compatibility issues.
Is this a difficult part to install myself?
For someone with basic mechanical skills and simple hand tools, the physical swap is straightforward. The most important part is being able to access the module, which may require removing some dash trim. The key is to follow the post-installation procedures, which may require a professional scan tool.
What happens if I don’t do the airbag or brake relearn procedures?
Skipping these steps is not recommended. If the ‘Setup SDM Primary Key’ is not performed, the airbag warning light will likely stay on, and more importantly, the airbag system may not function correctly in an accident. The brake pedal relearn ensures other safety systems like ABS and traction control receive the correct data.
Will this fix my ‘Service Theft System’ message?
In many cases, yes. The BCM is a core component of the Pass-Key/Passlock anti-theft system. A failing BCM is a very common cause of security system faults and no-start conditions related to theft deterrent.
Is this part new or used?
This is a top-quality, OEM-grade replacement module that has been inspected and programmed with the latest software for your vehicle. It is guaranteed to restore your vehicle to its original factory performance.